Bafana Bafana's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) shocked many football fans across the continent.
At this year's Afcon, second-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena helped Hugo Blues players advance to the quarter-finals.
Also read: Bafana encounters familiar enemy in Afcon area. Mzansi are confident
A loss to Mali in the first match led many to rule out Bafana's chances of making it to the knockouts, and the odds were against the 1996 Afcon winners against the Atlas Lions, but somehow Bafana won. .
Bafana defeats Morocco to advance to last eight at Afcon
Since their 4-0 win over Namibia, the South Africans have looked strong and composed at the back. Mamelodi Sundowns' back five, including Ronwen Williams, should be praised for playing both Morocco and Tunisia in back-to-back games.
Also read: Bafana desperate for win against Morocco to impress European scouts
This year's tournament has been hailed as one of the best African Cup competitions in recent years due to its unpredictability and high quality.
European scouts have certainly been watching Bafana and Morocco and may have had their eye on some players. Here are the top five Bafana players who should move to Europe immediately.
Teboho Mokoena
Mokoena, who turned 27 last week, is undoubtedly in his prime footballing years and should be on his way to Europe in the summer. The former SuperSport United midfielder is Bafana's best player in the game and this is the perfect opportunity for him to leave South Africa. He has what it takes to succeed overseas and the Sundowns player, who has previously competed in the Olympics, should be able to adapt well in a different league.
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Thapelo Maseko
The young midfielder has a promising future and has already impressed at club level, having been given the task of playing against the likes of Yves Bissouma and Sofian Amrabat. The 20-year-old Sundowns attacker has performed well in Afcon games so far and should be one of the few names to leave SA shores at the end of the season.
Chryso Mudau
The lanky right-back quietly did his job, with support from Tapelo Morena on the flank. Mudau is currently the PSL's Defender of the Season and he is perhaps one of the most consistent players in the DStv Premiership.
He was linked with a move to English Premier League side Burnley FC at the end of last year, and with the game against Cape Verde still to come, it could be another opportunity for the Venda-speaking defender to make his case.
Also read: “Don’t say PSL supports Bafana, it’s laughable” – Bruce hits back
Ronwen Williams
At 32 years old, Williams still has a chance to play in Europe. The Bafana captain has kept three consecutive clean sheets in the Afcon so far, and if the team reaches the finals there is a chance the former SuperSport shot-stopper could leave Klorkop at the end of the season.
Percy Tau
Tau hasn't achieved much in this tournament, but he has a chance to add to his one-goal tally this tournament. The striker played well against Mali despite missing the penalty that ultimately cost Bafana the victory.
His pace, decision-making and experience will be key if the Blues' team progress to the semi-finals. Tau has previously played for Club Brugge and Brighton & Hove Albion in Europe, but he feels he may have another chance to play at the highest level.
The Blues' team booked a spot in the Afcon quarter-finals, where they will play Cape Verde on Saturday.
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